A surgical technologist is a healthcare professional who assists surgeons during medical procedures by preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and helping to position patients.
They are trained through a program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on training in anatomy, medical terminology, surgical procedures, sterilization techniques, and patient care.
Here is how long it takes to become a surgical tech.
Surgical Tech Schools
Graduates of the in-class or online surgical tech programs are eligible to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
The job is challenging and rewarding, and it is highly demanded in the healthcare industry. I can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and outpatient surgery centers.
The career outlook for surgical technologists is expected to grow in the coming years due to the increasing demand for healthcare services.
Top 20 Surgical Technologist Schools in the USA
Surgical tech schools are many in the U.S., and they can meet your specific career goals. In this article, we’ll only list the top 20 surgical technologist schools in the USA.
You can enroll in your studies at any of these schools. They have certified programs and will provide you with the needed education and experience.
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Mercy College of Ohio
Mercy College of Ohio’s Surgical Tech degree offers a pathway to an exciting career in healthcare. Their program combines rigorous coursework with practical, hands-on experience in operating rooms.
Through online learning and real-world practice, students gain invaluable skills in surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and patient care.
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Alamo Colleges
You can count on Alamo Colleges for excellent surgical tech training.
The school offers this course at various degree levels. During their training, students will learn theory, surgical procedures, instrumentation, aseptic technique, and surgical equipment and supplies.
Through a clinical education course, you will receive valuable clinical experience in a local hospital’s operating room.
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NYU
NYU is a renowned surgical tech school in the country. The institution has a one-year surgical tech course comprising didactic lectures and labs. The program prepares qualified students to become experts in the field.
In addition to classroom instruction, you’ll be required to gain experience in a practical setting. It’s a superb opportunity to put your classroom knowledge into practice while working alongside experts in the field.
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CNM
The CBM can provide you with the quality education you deserve.
Students can take several surgical tech courses that teach them the skills to work in the surgical service departments of large and small medical facilities.
This school offers degrees and certificates in sterile processing tech, certificates of achievement, an associate of applied science in surgical tech, and more.
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Lone Star College
You can complete your surgical tech studies at this college. The school offers a fully certified surgical tech AAS degree. Students can take this program full-time at the LSC-Tomball Health Science Building.
After completing your studies, you can obtain certification from the NBSTA and a state license.
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Community College of Denver
Come to this college if you need a quality education in this field. You can obtain an associate in applied science degree and finish it in as little as three semesters.
Students progress through the class and internship with other students as a group. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to join a surgical team.
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Berkeley College
Berkeley College is another fantastic place to complete your surgical tech course. The school program prepares students to work as valuable members of healthcare.
Students will learn how to prepare operating rooms and patients for surgery and maintain a proper sterile field throughout the surgical process.
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College of Southern Nevada
For so many reasons, you’ll need to study at this institution. The school offers a fully certified surgical tech course. You’ll receive instruction and laboratory and clinical rotations to prepare you for work in the field.
Moreover, graduates of this accredited program are eligible to test for certified surgical technologist credentials.
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Tarrant County College
Tarrant County College is an excellent place to study. The school prepares you to work with patients, medical experts, and sophisticated equipment.
You’ll be prepared to work alongside surgeons in the clinical section during your studies. A few things you’ll learn in school are sterilizing and organizing instruments for surgery, preparing the operating rooms, and more.
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Clover Park Technical College
You’ll appreciate completing your surgical tech course at this college. Students will receive hands-on training in classroom, lab, and clinical settings.
You’ll have extensive knowledge about countless surgical procedures, instruments required, and the surgeon’s steps in the operating room.
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C.T. State Community College Gateway
Do you want to obtain an associate degree in science? Then, consider enrolling at this college. Its program is fully certified by the Connecticut Board of Regents, CAAHEP, and ARC/STSA.
You’ll learn how to work closely with surgeons and other medical teams. Additionally, you’ll be taught how to organize all the specialized instruments and perform various surgical procedures.
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UPMC School of Surgical Technology
UPMC is renowned for offering quality education to aspiring surgical techs.
The school aims to provide innovative, affordable, and accessible education to students, allowing them to gain world-class surgical training with one experience in a state-of-the-art operating room.
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Bergen Community College
Bergen Community College’s mission is to train students for an exciting career in surgical technology, so its programs are well-rounded.
Students can obtain advanced certificates in the field. The certificate program is designed to provide you with the coursework and training needed to enter the field as a certified surgical tech.
The study curriculum provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a pathway to careers in the field.
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Monroe Community College
Monroe Community College provides a fully certified associate degree in surgical technology. Students will be prepared to enter the field with confidence, hands-on clinical training, and the skills needed for immediate workplace success.
Graduates will be ready to work in a variety of settings, including inpatient hospital operating rooms, outpatient surgery centers, emergency rooms, central supply, and other healthcare settings.
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Montgomery College
You can complete your AAS degree in this field at this school. Their courses are fully certified by relevant authorities, which qualifies you to take the national exams and certifications after school. During your studies, you’ll explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework.
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University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Fayetteville, AR
The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, offers the Associate of Science in Surgical Technology.
After earning 34-35 credits fulfilling science, math, communications, social science, and liberal arts requirements, you’ll complete the 31-credit professional curriculum.
Those who opt for full-time studies can finish in a year. However, part-students will take five semesters to finish.
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University of Cincinnati Clermont College, Batavia, OH
The University of Cincinnati, Clermont College, offers an associate degree and certificate in surgical technology. You’ll need a high school diploma or GED to be eligible for an associate degree.
Additionally, a tech school certificate may qualify you for advanced standing. Visit the school’s official website for more details.
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Utah Tech University
This university is an excellent place to complete your surgical technology studies. Its courses are designed to prepare students to become competent, entry-level experts in the field.
Graduates of the program will be able to apply fundamental theoretical knowledge to the practice of surgical technology.
Upon completing the program, graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination NBSTSA offers.
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Mt. Hood Community College
Mt. Hood Community College is renowned for offering quality education to those interested in becoming surgical techs. You can obtain an associate degree in this field at this school.
Their program helps prepare surgical team members to work well under pressure. Graduates can take the national certification exam for surgical technicians.
Core courses include human anatomy and physiology, computer concepts, and medical terminology. Students gain clinical experience through supervised practicums.
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Roane State Community College
Roane State offers an associate degree in surgical technology. This two-year program trains graduates to assist surgical teams before, during, and after procedures.
The curriculum includes human anatomy and physiology courses, surgical microbiology and asepsis, and surgical procedures. Students complete supervised clinical practicums at local hospitals.
Many more outstanding schools offer surgical technology programs in the U.S.; the ones listed above are top-ranked. You can be confident that you will receive quality education and experience to succeed in the field.
Surgical Technologist Program Curriculum
A surgical technologist program combines classroom instruction and hands-on training that prepares students to assist surgeons in various medical procedures.
The curriculum covers various topics essential for a surgical technologist’s role, including anatomy, medical terminology, surgical procedures, sterilization techniques, and patient care.
The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to work effectively in the surgical environment.
Anatomy classes cover the structure and function of the human body, including the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.
Medical terminology classes teach the language of medicine, which is crucial for effective communication with other healthcare professionals.
Surgical procedures classes provide students with an understanding of the different types of surgeries that may be performed and the instruments and equipment used.
Sterilization techniques classes teach students how to properly clean and disinfect surgical instruments to prevent the spread of infection.
Patient care classes provide students with the knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective patient care before, during, and after surgery.
Surgical Tech School Admission Requirements
Admission to a surgical technologist program is the first step in becoming a surgical technologist.
The requirements for admission vary depending on the school, but a high school diploma or GED is generally required. Additionally, some programs may require a passing score on an entrance exam.
The entrance exam usually tests the applicant’s knowledge of basic sciences such as biology and chemistry, as well as math and English. It is designed to ensure that applicants have the basic knowledge required to succeed in the program.
Some programs may require specific prerequisites, such as introductory biology and chemistry classes. These classes are designed to give students a foundation in the sciences, which will be crucial to their success in the program.
Additionally, some programs may require that students have a certain number of hours of volunteer or paid work experience in a healthcare setting to ensure they have a solid understanding of the field.
It’s important to note that each program has different admission requirements, and prospective students must research and compare programs to find the one that best suits their needs and goals.
Moreover, it’s essential to check the program’s accreditation, as most states require surgical technologist programs to be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Certification and Licensure
A surgical technologist program is a post-secondary educational program that prepares individuals for a career as a surgical technologist.
After completing such a program, graduates are eligible to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, which is offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
The CST exam is a rigorous test that measures the knowledge and skills required to work as a surgical technologist. It covers anatomy, medical terminology, surgical procedures, sterilization techniques, and patient care.
Passing the CST exam is a requirement for certification, and most states require certification to practice as a surgical technologist.
This certification ensures that surgical technologists have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe, high-quality patient care.
The certificate is a testament to the individual’s dedication and commitment to their profession and is recognized as a standard of excellence in the field.
The certification process is beneficial not only for the individual but also for the employers and the patients.
Employers who hire certified surgical technologists can rest assured that they are hiring qualified individuals who have passed a rigorous exam.
Patients can also benefit from having a certified surgical technologist in the operating room. These professionals have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the field and are committed to upholding the profession’s standards.
Career Outlook
Surgical technologists are an essential part of the operating room team.
They are responsible for preparing and maintaining the surgical environment and assisting surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses during surgery.
The demand for surgical technologists is projected to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
The primary reasons for this growth are the increasing number of surgeries performed and the aging population.
As more people reach retirement age, surgical procedures will be needed to treat age-related conditions. Additionally, advances in medical technology and treatments also contribute to the growth in surgeries.
The median annual salary for surgical technologists in the United States is $48,300. This is a competitive salary; those with experience and certification can earn even higher wages.
Surgical technologists typically work in hospitals and may work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and on-call shifts.
Career Paths
Surgical technologists assist surgeons during medical procedures by preparing the operating room, sterilizing instruments, and helping to position patients.
They are trained through a program that includes classroom instruction and hands-on training in anatomy, medical terminology, surgical procedures, sterilization techniques, and patient care.
SEE: Surgical Tech Specialties
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam and can work in various settings such as hospitals, clinics, and outpatient surgery centers.
The career outlook for surgical technologists is expected to grow in the coming years due to the increasing demand for healthcare services.
In summary, a surgical technologist program is a post-secondary educational program that prepares individuals for a career as a surgical technologist.
The curriculum includes classroom instruction and hands-on training, and the program typically takes nine months to two years to complete.
Graduates of the program are eligible to take the CST certification exam, which is required for most states to practice as a surgical technologist.
The career outlook for surgical technologists is positive, with an expected growth of 7% from 2020 to 2030.